Art activity: Songs

Objective
Students write fun songs about the challenges, solutions, and reminders regarding handwashing with soap.

Time
20 minutes + 5 minutes per group to present

Age Group
Literate

Materials Needed
Writing materials (pencil and paper)

Activity
Divide the students into small groups. Have each group choose a familiar melody and write a handwashing song to it.



A more ambitious possibility for older students: 
 * A rap battle started by a cool kid who thinks it is wimpy to wash hands with soap, but he ends up humiliated when others point out he walks around with poop on his hands.

Familiar melodies you can consider using:
 * “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
 * “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”

You can include some (not all!) of these themes in your song:
 * Which makes it easy to sing the song as a round.
 * “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider”
 * Familiar folk songs
 * Local pop songs
 * Etc.
 * How to wash


 * Hand Washing
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Soap
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Rinsing with water is not enough
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">When to wash


 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Before meals
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">After using the latrine, toilet or potty
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">What you avoid


 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Poop (or synonyms)
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Germs
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Disease
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Diarrhea
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">What you gain

<p style="margin-bottom:0in">Songs can be especially fun if you
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Prevention
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Clean
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Safe
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Remind your friends so they do not carry poop and germs
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Teach the song to the class


 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">If the song permits: Divide the class and sing it as a round
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">Include hand motions or dance steps
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">If anyone is a musician: Bring in some musical instruments to accompany
 * <p style="margin-bottom:0in">If you have access to technology: Sign it karaoke style with the instrumentation coming from a phone or computer speakers

Key Words
Arts, Prevention, Reminder, Handwashing, Diarrhea, Soap, Outreach.

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